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National · Samoa

Does National require an IDP in Samoa?

Yes, bring one
Samoa legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter.
Get my permit for Samoa All National requirements
National in Samoa
National IDP policyRequired for foreign drivers
National footprintGlobal
Accepted formatLocal rules
Minimum rental age18+ (surcharge under 25)
Drives on theLeft

National in Samoa: the policy in plain terms

Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.

Samoa switched to driving on the left in 2009; an IDP is advised with your home licence, and a local temporary permit may be required.

In Samoa specifically, samoa legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter. Apia desks may issue a local temporary permit; an IDP helps.

National runs a global network; at its Samoa desks, foreign renters are asked for the Local rules-format International Driving Permit alongside the original licence. Samoa drives on the left, uses the WST, and sets a minimum driving age of 18, so an IDP is the document that removes any doubt at the counter.

What to bring to the National counter in Samoa

  • Your original national driving licence (the IDP never replaces it).
  • Your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format.
  • Your passport and a payment card in the main driver's name.
  • Local payment for the WST deposit; Samoa drives on the left with a young-driver surcharge under 25.

Driving rules in Samoa National renters should know

  • Drive on the left (since 2009).
  • Low speed limits in villages.
  • 0.08% alcohol limit.
  • Watch for pedestrians and pigs on roads.

Common questions

01
Do I need an IDP to rent from National in Samoa?
Samoa legally requires foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit with their national licence, so National will ask for it at the counter.
02
What documents should I bring to the National desk in Samoa?
Bring your original national driving licence, your International Driving Permit in the Local rules format, your passport, and the payment card in the main driver's name. Samoa drives on the left and the minimum rental age is typically 18+.
03
What is National's general policy on International Driving Permits?
Requires an IDP for non-Latin-alphabet licences and where local regulations require it. Business-traveller brand known for Emerald Aisle.
All National countriesDriving in Samoa